Four-lane project progressing on SH 18

Sunday

Jan 6, 2013 at 12:01 AM

The $7-million paving and widening project affecting nearly four miles of SH 18 north of Shawnee and through Meeker is progressing on schedule with traffic in one area now switched from the east to west side.

Kim Morava

The $7-million paving and widening project affecting nearly four miles of SH 18 north of Shawnee and through Meeker is progressing on schedule with traffic in one area now switched from the east to west side.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is working the project in Lincoln County, with work beginning at County Road 108 and going 3.8 miles north to U.S. 62.

Traffic that once diverted onto a short loop on the east side of SH 18 is now switched back to the west side so crews can begin construction of drainage areas on the east side, said Cody Boyd, ODOT spokesman.

“Drivers are doing well with the change and are getting used to the new configuration,” Boyd said, reminding drivers to continue to be aware of any changes in construction.

The project includes widening from a two-lane to a four-lane a one-mile section of SH 18 from U.S. 62 going south. After that, the road is being widened to include shoulders on both sides of a new two-lane road.

“They’re on schedule for completion near the end of April,” Boyd said.